Ooooze Big Beach Party..

One of the many beach parties held in Kamakura through the summer, beats by Carlos Gibbs, Dave Twomey and others, frivolity and bikini clad loveliness from everyone else..

Picture unrelated: Enoshima..

Summer portraits '08

I often end up with many picture of friends that don't really fit into any specific area of the blog, so I thought as summer has come to an end, I will will post some of my (previously unposted) favorite festival portraits..

Slippery when wet..

There's a reason why you don't see many people wade into the mini-lake in the centre of Yoyogi park, actually there are probably a few of them, but the slime that covers the concrete that serves as the lake floor most certainly must be up towards the top of the list.

Needless to say, this young lady found out the hard way..

Awa Odori

The Awa Dance Festival in Koenji dates back to the mid 50's, and is basically a great big party. During the daytime a dance called Nagashi is performed, but at night the dancers switch to a frenzied dance called Zomeki. The dancers dance and walk while they follow an accompaniment using such instruments as shamisen, drum, and flute. They wear brightly coloured regional costumes and often sing while dancing. Last night's festival was wet, really wet, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowds that gathered to watch the parade of dancers and soak up the amazing festival atmosphere. While it was a little difficult managing the camera and negotiating the canopy of umbrellas, I somehow managed to snap a few pics off without spilling too much of my drink..









These dudes rocked.. Btw guys, thanks for the shochu!!

Flea Market city..

Allegedly, Flea Markets earned their name from the flea infested clothes and rags sold at an outdoor bazaar held in the northern suburbs of Paris in the late 17th century. Today, the tradition continues, hopefully minus the fleas of course, most weekends at the events part of Yoyogi park. These pics were taken last Monday, which was a public holiday here in Japan, and as you can see the market was very well attended despite the searing heat and humidity..

Random cuteness from Enoshima..

Some major Decogirl advertisement action on Shonan beach..

Things to do in Enoshima #3: Horse around..

Actually this guy took his role playing pretty seriously, for well after the requisite burial and TBS interview, he was out there paddling around in the deep brown murkiness, trying to set up a siring session like a Melbourne cup winner!

Things to do in Enoshima #2: Shoot stuff..

Welcome to the most liberated cork gun emporium in Enoshima. Please present your NCGA (National Cork Gun Association) card on entry and wait to have an official drag your gun muzzle towards the target. Also available for your enjoyment is "Smart Ball", which is like an old analogue pinball style game that seems to use cool mints for the balls.

Everybody wins..